The Summer Media Institute (SMI) is a five-night, six-day workshop run by the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications in Gainesville. High school students live on campus and learn from UF instructors and media professionals.
Each student picks a specialization and electives. The 2027 edition runs as two sessions: a general session and a sports session.
Benefits & funding
- One fee covers instruction, a shared residence-hall room and campus dining; the FAQ lists no extra costs. The 2027 fee is not yet posted.
- Cancelling costs US$100 before 1 March, rising to US$750 before 15 May; no refund from 15 May.
Eligibility
- High school students: most are rising juniors and seniors, and rising 10th graders are welcome.
- No prior media experience is needed.
- Every attendee stays in the residence hall; teachers cannot attend.
- The pages set no citizenship or residence rule.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
High School
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Application process
- 1Submit the admission application UF now requires (registration page); the FAQ still describes first-come, first-served Eventbrite registration. 2027 details are “posted soon”.
- 2The 2026 cycle closed on 5 March 2026 (Dow Jones News Fund directory).
Program timeline
5 March 2026
2026 application deadline (passed)
Session One
17–22 June 2027
Sports Session Two
23–28 June 2027